Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Guitar World sits down with Matthew Stubbs and Cody Nilsen from the award-winning heavy blues trio GA-20! Armed with custom-built gear, vintage aesthetics, and a raw analog sound, GA-20 breaks down the secrets behind their signature Chicago blues style, why they choose to perform without a bass player, and what it’s like collaborating with legendary harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite.
Support GA-20 by checking out their new album, catching them live on tour, and subscribing for more exclusive Guitar World artist interviews!
ga20band.com
00:00 – Intro and Band Name Origins
01:08 – The Chicago Blues Influence & Early Careers
01:38 – How Matthew and Cody Met
02:13 – The Trio Lineup: Performing Without a Bass Player
03:02 – Collaborating and Recording with Legendary Bluesman Charlie Musselwhite
04:14 – The Unique Art of Backing Up Harmonica Players
05:22 – Capturing the Raw, Old-School Analog Studio Sound
06:23 – Guitar Roles, Song Arrangements, and Alternate Tunings
07:26 – Cody Nilsen’s Guitar Gear and Modifications
08:57 – Matthew Stubbs’ Signature Water Slide Guitar Setup
10:10 – Pedalboards and Clean Boosting Strategies
11:56 – Custom Tweed Amps vs. Loud Bassman Heads
13:36 – The Thrill and Heavy Lifting of Live Performances
14:23 – Touring Stories and Playing a Bull Ring in Spain
15:39 – In-Studio Live Performance: "Stranger Blues"
17:00 – The Core Importance of a Good Guitar Amplifier
17:50 – String Gauges and Slide Action Heights
18:21 – Thoughts on the Future of Blues and AI Streaming Charts
19:31 – Life Outside the Band: Providence Restaurants and Dogs
19:57 – Contemporary Artists Inspiring the Band
20:44 – Writing for the Next Album & Advice for Future Musicians
21:51 – Outro & Tour Announcement
#GA20 #GuitarWorld #BluesGuitar #VintageGear #GuitarInterview #ChicagoBlues
Guitar World sits down with Matthew Stubbs and Cody Nilsen from the award-winning heavy blues trio GA-20! Armed with custom-built gear, vintage aesthetics, and a raw analog sound, GA-20 breaks down the secrets behind their signature Chicago blues style, why they choose to perform without a bass player, and what it’s like collaborating with legendary harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite.
Support GA-20 by checking out their new album, catching them live on tour, and subscribing for more exclusive Guitar World artist interviews!
ga20band.com
00:00 – Intro and Band Name Origins
01:08 – The Chicago Blues Influence & Early Careers
01:38 – How Matthew and Cody Met
02:13 – The Trio Lineup: Performing Without a Bass Player
03:02 – Collaborating and Recording with Legendary Bluesman Charlie Musselwhite
04:14 – The Unique Art of Backing Up Harmonica Players
05:22 – Capturing the Raw, Old-School Analog Studio Sound
06:23 – Guitar Roles, Song Arrangements, and Alternate Tunings
07:26 – Cody Nilsen’s Guitar Gear and Modifications
08:57 – Matthew Stubbs’ Signature Water Slide Guitar Setup
10:10 – Pedalboards and Clean Boosting Strategies
11:56 – Custom Tweed Amps vs. Loud Bassman Heads
13:36 – The Thrill and Heavy Lifting of Live Performances
14:23 – Touring Stories and Playing a Bull Ring in Spain
15:39 – In-Studio Live Performance: "Stranger Blues"
17:00 – The Core Importance of a Good Guitar Amplifier
17:50 – String Gauges and Slide Action Heights
18:21 – Thoughts on the Future of Blues and AI Streaming Charts
19:31 – Life Outside the Band: Providence Restaurants and Dogs
19:57 – Contemporary Artists Inspiring the Band
20:44 – Writing for the Next Album & Advice for Future Musicians
21:51 – Outro & Tour Announcement
#GA20 #GuitarWorld #BluesGuitar #VintageGear #GuitarInterview #ChicagoBlues
